Reviewed by Peter Dilley

Liverpool-based Ian cites Delirious? and Matt Redman as musical influences on his MySpace page, but it sounds like he's also been looking across the Irish Sea from Mersyside for a bit of inspiration from Eoghan Heaslip and U2, as opener "Take My Life" puts a contemporary "Beautiful-Day"-like angle on the classic hymn. On a similar theme to "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman, "Come What Way" reminds us of the need to praise God in all circumstances. Talking of whom, the song title "When All Is Stripped Away" has a rather familiar ring to it, but there's a greater intensity to Ian's brand of raw, passionate worship than in most of what emerges from the (Soul) Survivor stable - nowhere more so than in the wall of sound that launches "Sea Of Love". Duet "Create In Me A Clean Heart" has a quieter, more reflective feel, but Ian's preference for more full-on rock worship is apparent, particularly as he follows it with the anthemic "King Of All Kings", and "Bright And Beautiful" wraps up the album. Don't switch off there though, a couple more "hidden" tracks follow on.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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